Rabat is the Culture Capital of the Islamic World for 2024, announced ICESCO Director General Salim al-Malik.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) announced the closing ceremony of its year-long program of activities, including artistic and cultural events and celebrations, such as the International Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet's Seerah and Islamic Civilization.
Malik reviewed the 260 key activities held during the celebration of Rabat as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World.
He thanked King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and all Moroccan ministries, institutions, bodies, associations, and individuals who did not hesitate to contribute to this celebration.
Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, lauded the distinguished cooperation between the Ministry and ICESCO, which resulted in the organization of several activities as part of the celebration of Rabat as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022, and the inscription of 27 Moroccan heritage elements on ICESCO's Islamic World Heritage Lists.
Bensaid stated that after a year of distinguished cultural and artistic activities, the closing of Rabat Celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2022 is an occasion to highlight the efforts aimed at making Rabat a metropolis at the international level.
The closing ceremony took place with the presence of high-profile Moroccan government officials, ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom, public figures, writers, thinkers, artists, and the general public.
Several artists performed at the event, such as Samira al-Qadri and Said Belkadi, who entertained the audience with traditional Moroccan poems. The Andalusian Music Choir, conducted by Amin al-Dubbi, and the Symphony Orchestra, by Samir Tamim, also played at the ceremony.
During 2023, Marrakech will host several groups of cultural, intellectual, and artistic events that highlight Islamic civilization.
It will be an opportunity to show the richness of the Red City, as Marrakesh is one of the cities included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The city is witnessing urban and cultural development, and the "Marrakech, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World" event will be an opportunity to highlight its attractions, intangible heritage, and archaeological sites.
